Boyd McCamish, executive director of Milwaukee District Council 48, said a lawsuit against Froedtert Health is needed to protect the city employees whose personal information are at risk.

“We want to prepare for the worst, hope for the best, but make sure that our members are protected in this process going forward,” McCamish said.

Dynacare partners with Froedtert to provide a wellness program for city employees.

“They’re the parent company. Obviously, we think they’re fairly responsible for this matter and so that’s why we filed against them,” McCamish said.

Officials said the flash drive contained personal information of city employees and their spouses, including Social Security numbers.

“Most of our husbands don’t know our Social Security numbers and different numbers that we have on that flash drive, so it’s a concern,” said Geneva Ellis, a city of Milwaukee employee.

“I think laws have been broken and usually after that happens, lawsuits come about. And I think we have the right to get some answers from someone,” said Suzanne Bolden-Wofford, a city of Milwaukee communications assistant.

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, but an exact amount has yet to be set.

“We want to make sure that if, God forbid, something bad happens, people use this for illegal reasons or for illegal purposes, that if there’s any damages, our members are not the ones that have to pick up the tab,” McCamish said.

Froedtert Health declined to comment on the lawsuit.

The city of Milwaukee released a statement Friday saying, “City government is focused on solving the problem and protecting our workers from issues stemming from the Dynacare date breach. We have work to do and the various lawsuits and claims for damages will not distract our attention.”